Punching mechanism



R. G. wlLLlAMs PUNGHING MECHANISM IOct, 13, 1931.

Filed Aug. 13; 1923 Patented Oct. 13, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE RAYMOND G. WILLIAMS, OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, ASSIGNOR T0 THE TABULAT- ING MACHINE CO., 0F NEW YORK,

N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY PUNCHING MECHANISM Application mea Agust 1s, 192s. serial No. 657,218.

My invention relates to improvements in punching mechanisms and mechanicalU accounting systems.

Mechanical accounting or tabulating systems, (I use the term broadly, to cover accounting systems which normally comprise punching machines, sorting machines and tabulatng machines mechanically and automatically to sort and tabulate desired data by means of punched cards, Whether they be electrically or otherwise mechanically actuated), have proved their worth for statistical and accounting purposes in recent years. At present, however, various data to bevhandled by such systems is usually recorded at the various points of origin by hand writing, or rubber stamps, either on record cards, or on other records, later to be punched on such record cards, collectively, at a central punching department. For the sake of accuracy and economy, a great advantage would lie in completely recording the various data at the various points of origin. Yet, due in part to the illiteracy and lack of intelligence of the employees of some concerns, this has been quite difficult and constitutes one of the objections to the above system of punched cards. My invention makes possible a system whereby data common to a certain machine, employee or process may safely, accurately and completely be recorded by an employee of such mentality, thus broadening considerably the scope of th-e aforesaid systems. To these ends my invention comprises, as well-as the herein described improved steps in a mechanical accounting system, a hand punch ofthe general type illustrated in the Hart Patent 7 59,7 09, having a male punch member and a female die member pivotally joined togethf er, provided with means to hold a record card or other recording material at a fixed predetermined. position therein, and adapted to punch a plurality of holes in said record card at fixed predetermined index-points thereon.

My inv-ention comprises improvements in "the general type of hand punches illustrated in the Hart patent, by providing thereon means simultaneously to punch a plurality of holes at predetermined points relative to each other. It is obvious that such a punch is not limited to punching record cards for mechanical accounting systems, but may be adapted to other uses. A further object of my invention is, therefore, to provide a hand punch of this general type, which will punch a plurality of holes at fixed predetermined points relative to each other.

My invention further comprises improvements in this general type of punch by providing ad`ustable means for holding the ma.'- terial toy e punched, whether it be record cards, paper,

that is punched at repeated predetermined positions thereon.

In addition, so far as I am aware, it is new in punching mechanisms to provide means to punch either a hole or a plurality of holes and simultaneously to print `predetermined l data on the material punched or on any other desired material. It is thus a further object of my invention, to provide a punching mechanism which will substantially simultaneously print or record data and punch record cards or other materials. Though various types of gang, selective and other punches for punching record cards are in existence, no one has heretofore conceived the idea of simultaneously punching index holes relating to certain data, and printing or recording said data on a record card. A punching mechanism that will simultaneously punch a hole oriholes and print or record data is of reat value in the general punching art. any uses immediately suggest themselves. A punching mechanism that will punch data on a record card, and simultaneously record said or other data opens up large new fields for mechanical accounting systems. Such a mechanism could, lfor example, be built into a time clock or a cash register. In the latter case, the data could be either printed on a record card, displayed by the indicators, or printed on any other material such asthe etc. between the punch member 1 and die member of said device at a 'repeated cash register tape. It is apparent, therefore, xthat the use of a punching mechanism that will simultaneously punch cards and record may be descriptive of that punched or otherw1se.

Whereas my invention broadly covers any kind of a punching mechanism -that will simultaneously punch and print, 'whether it be of the type shown, or an adJustable selective punch or otherwise, thespecifc hand punch shown per se, as suggested above,

broadens considerably the lield for automatic mechanical accounting systems. This comprises a simple, portable, convenient and inexpensive punch, which can be aiforded-in large numbers by a' concern, to record exclusively, the operation of a single employee, machine, process, inspection, etc. by punching on record cards passing through that operation the number of it or data relative to it. For example, a supply of these punches might be constructed, each to punch and print one of a series of numbers, each numer representing lan employee in a factory. Each employee could be assigned a punch corresponding to his number, by means of which he would record his number on all record cards representing work passing through his hands. Or, the same idea might be applied to machines', desks, processes, inspections, approvals, etc." The punch might also n be used in many different ways in which many record cards are to be punched and printed with the same data. One great feature of the punch shown is that it may be used simply to record repeatedly one operation, and that it cannot readily be changed by the employee.

A further object of my invention is to dispense with the necessity of providing printed index numbers on record cards. As the cards are accurately alignedv in the punch before punching, and the corresponding information automatically printed above, printed index numbers thereon are no longer necessary.

These and such other objects of my invention as may hereinafter appear will best be understood by a description of one embodiment thereof, such as the hand punch shown in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a plan view of my punch, showing' a record card in to be punched therein.

F ig. 2 is a side elevation of my punch with a wing of the card-holding means broken away, With a record card inserted thereon.

Fig. 3 is a section taken along the lines 3 3 of Fig. 1, showing a card in the process of being punched.

Fig. 4 is an inverted plan view of the operative face of the punch jaw.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the operative face of the die jaw.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of onewing of the card holding means.

Fig. 7 is a plan View of a portion of the usual record card.

In theV drawings, whereinv like characters of reference indicate like parts throughout, 10 generally indicates the male punch member, and 11 the companion opposed female die member of my invention, said members being pivotally connected together at about the central points thereof by the pin 12. Said members l0 and 11 are preferably stamped out of sheet ,metal into a curved shape, so as to form at oneside ofthe pivot points thereof the handles 13 and 14 andv at the other side of the pivot points thereof the jaws 16 and 17 respectively. Thehandle portions 13 and 14 are preferably bent over in semi-cylindrical fashion so thatl they may be conveniently grasped by the hand and the outer periphery thereof may be knurled as is indicated at 18. 'The contacting surfacesof the jaws 16 and 17 preferably extend forward from the pivot points thereof in an approximately straight line, and the edges thereof may be bent over to form a channel as `is indicated at 19. The unch member 10 is preferably slightly wider near the pivot portion thereof so as to conveniently receive thereirrthe narrower die member 11. A spring 22 is wound around the pin 12 and has its ends 23 and 24 distendingly contacting the inner surface of thehandles 13 and 14 respectively to normally hold the handles and integral jaws 16 and 17 apart. Y

As stated previously, I provide in punches of this general ty'e, means simultaneously to punch a vplurality of holes at predetermined points thereon relative to each other. This means comprises the punches 30 and dies 31 attached tothe punch and die jaws 16 and 17 respectively. Each individual punch 30 may be equi ped with an individual stripper spring 33 or ejecting the punched material therefrom. Each spring 33 is preferposition ably U-shaped and has one side thereofv anchored lto the punch jaw 16 near the base of each punch 30. The opposite side thereof terminates in a two pronged fork 34 which partially surroundsv the punch 30. Said stripper springs 33 serve to remove the record card 55 from the punches 30 after each punching operation. Suitably pivoted to `be substituted therefor".

the die carrying jaw 17 is the usual piercing receivin receptacle 35; said receptacle`35V is 'provide with a spring 36 to force` it back into position against the die jaw 17 after removing the piercings therefrom.

As stated previously, I provide in addition, in punches of this type, means attached to said punch for holding the record cardsv 55 at fixed predetermined ositions therein for repetition of the indentical punching operation on other record cards. In a hole cut transversely of the die jaw 17 near the pivot portion thereof, I insert the bar 37. Near each end of this bar I mount the stamped out card guiding and retaining wings 39 integrally attached to collars 38 slidable on said bar 37. The edges 40 of said wings 39 are bent over to form lips to guide the cards into the desired fixed redetermined position and to retain them t ere during the punching operation. Said holding means is adjustable, the set screw 41 permitting lateral adjustment of the bar 37 to vary the position of the index holes on the card, and the set screws 42 permittting lateral adjustment of the collar portions 38 of the wings 39 so as to permit adjustment for various sizes of cards.

As stated, I provide in addition in a punching mechanism the combination of means to punch, and means to substantially simultaneously record data. The embodiment shown is adapted to print the desired data on the same record card simultaneously with the punching operation. To this end I mount on the end of the punch jaw 16 outside of the punches 30 a type holder 43, adapted to hold the rubber type 44.. If desired steel type, a. rubber stamp or other printing means may It is obvious that as the punch is compressed, the desired data will be print-ed on a suitable place on the record card simultaneously with the punching operation. To suitably ink the type 44 I provide the inking mechanism now to e described, though it is obvious that an inking ribbon or any other type of inking mechanism might be employed. I pivot by means of the pin 45 on the end 46 of the punch carrying jaw 16 the inking device 47. This comprises two similar forwardly projecting cam arms 48 mounted on each end of the trans- "Verse pivot pin 45. The cam arms 48 are joined together by the transverse pan 50 in which is conveniently mounted the inking pad 51. The cam arms 48 are fashioned to cooperate with the curved lip 52 on the die carrying jaw 17 to raise the inking pad 51 out of contact with the type 44 during the punching operation, the inking mechanism revolving as a unit about the pivot pin 45. After the punching operation, when the handles are released, the jaws open and the spring 53 will return the inking pad 51 into contact with the type 44. In addition to their cam function in the inking device, cam arms 48 serve to close under pressure of spring 53 the entrance to the space between the jaws as the latter approach each other, thereby effectively preventing any accidental movement of the card out of the space between the jaws just prior to and during punching. The card is thus retained against movement in any direction by arms 48, rod 37, and wings 39 just before and during punching.

As stated, my invention is peculiarly adapted for punching holes at predetermined points on record cards for mechanical accounting systems. I have shown a portion of a suitable record card 55 in Fig. 7, printed as usual with a plurality of rows 56 of similar numerals situated at predetermined intervals relative to each other thereon. It is apparent, that when the co-operating punching means are suitably placed on the punch, a plurality of index holes 57 will be punched thereon corresponding to the figures 56. Having provided means for accurately aligning the record cards 55 during the punching operation, and suitably punching index holes at predetermined positions thereon relative to each other, it is no longer necessary to print rows 56 of numbers on the cards 55, their use not being required on the sorting and tabulating machines of the mechanical accounting systems. The space 58 on the upper edge of the card may be reserved to receive the desired predetermined data 59 printed thereon simultaneously with the punching operation. .l

Though Ihave shown a portable hand punch, it is obvious that one member thereof may be made fast without departing from the spirit of my invention. To avoid confusion between different punches, each punch may be suitably attached by means of a chain-'- or otherwise to any desired machine or other permanent location.

The operation of my invention is obvious from the above description. The guiding and retaining means is iirst set so that the record cards55 to be punched by this particular punch will be punched at a single fixed predetermined position, and so that the wings will accommodate cards of the size to be punched. A card 55 is inserted in the wings 39 and pushed down into the ends of the slots thereof into punching position. The handles 13 and 14 of the punch are then compressed, the punches 30 sinking through the desired index holes 57 of the cards 55 into the dies 31, and the type 44 printing simultaneously the desired data 59 on the space 58 on the record card 55, the inking pad 47 being automatically raised out of contact with the type 44. When the pressure is released from the handles 13 and 14, the spring 23 will force them and their integral cooperating jaws 16 and 17 apart, removing the punches 30 from the dies 31, the stripper springs 33 then functioning to remove the card 55 from the punches 30, and the spring 53 serving to swing the inking pad 51 again into Contact with the type 44. The punched and printed "card 55 ma then be removed and. a new one 5 inserted w en desired for a repetition of may be either used alone or built in as an integral part of other mechanisms. L

As stated, my invention further comprises improvements in systems of mechanical accounting, comprising thek novel step of punching a hole or a plurality of holes in a card simultaneously with a step in the process to be recorded, whether it be a manufacturing, selling or other process, and alsoin further combination therewith 0j the additional step of simultaneously punching material and recording data.

It is understood that my invention is noty limited to the specific embodiment shown, and that various deviations may be made both from said embodiment' and said described improvements in mechanical accounting systems without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. The combination of a hand punch'` for punching index holes on record cards .for mechanical accounting systems, comprising two cooperating members one of which is bent to form a handle and a punch carryin jaw, and the other bent to form a handle an a die carrying jaw, said members being pivotally joined together, and a rod transversel and adjustably mounted on said punch a a ted to receive adjustable guiding and retain ng wings at each end thereof to guide the record cards into a fixed predetermined position thereon, and so retain them between said jaws durin the punching operation.

2. hand punch for punching index holes on record cards for mechanical accounting systems, comprising two cooperating members one of which is bent to form a handle and apunch carrying jaw, and the other bent to form a handle and a die carrying jaw, said members being pivotally joined together, a plurality of punches on .the punch carrying aw spaced from each other at predetermined index hole positions and a plurality of dies on the die carrying jaw spaced from each other at cooperating predetermined index hole positions adapted to receive said punches therein to punch index holes in record cards at fixed relative predeterminedpoints thereon,l and means attached to said punch for guiding the record cards into a fixed predetermined position thereon, said means havling channeled portions to prevent displacement ofthe card in each and every direction angular to the surface of said card.

maaien -3. A haiid punch for punching index holes on record cards for mechanical accounting s stems com risin two coo eratin mema g jaw spaced from each other at predetermined v index hole positions and a plurality of dies on the die carrying jaw spaced from each other at cooperating predetermined index hole positions adapted to receive said punches therein to punch index holes in record cards at fixed relative predetermined points thereon and a rod transversely and adjustably v mounted on said punch adapted to receive adjustable guiding and retaining wings at each end thereof to guide the record cards into a iixed predetermined position thereon and so retain `-them between said jaws during the punching operation.

4. A hand punch for substantially simultaneously punching a plurality of index holes at predetermined positions on record cards and printing data interpreting the index holes on said record cards for mechanical accounting systems comprising two cooperating members, one of which is bent to form a handle and a punch carrying jaw, and the other bent to form a handle and a die carrying jaw, said members being pivotally joined together, punches spaced at predetermined index hole positions on the punch carrying jaw, and a plurality of dies spaced from each other at cooperating predetermined index positions on the die carrying jaw adapted to receive said punches therein to punch index holes in record cards at ixed relative predetermined points thereon, resilient means to eject said cards from the punches, a rod transversely and adjustably mounted on said punch, and guiding and retaining wings adj ustably mounted at each end of said rod to guide the record cards into a fixed predetermined position thereon, and so retain them between said jaws during the punching operation.

5;. A punch mechanism comprising a plurality of punches fixed in relative positions to perforate index points bearing a predetermined relationship to one another on a record, a plurality of dies positioned to coact with the punches, a record holder associated with the mechanism for holding a record between the punches and dies, means for adjusting the holder transversely relative to the punches to select different record fields for the predetermined index point punching, means for moving the punches relatively to the dies to effect a punching operation, and means automatically operative immediately prior tol `and during punching for preventing a card from leaving said holder.

6. A hand tool comprising a pair of pivoted members, one of which carries a punch and .tive to the jaws.

the other a cooperating die, anda sheet-holding frame for holding a sheet in position for punching, said frame comprising a base-member and a pair of side members adjustable on said base member, said base member being fixed adjustably to said pivoted members.

7. A hand tool comprising a pair of members pivotally connected to each other, one

member being provided with a punch and the other member having a coacting die, and a frame for holding a sheet in position to be operated on bysaid punch, said frame being provided with an entrance for said sheet, and means automatically operative immediately prior to and during the punching operation for closing said entrance.

8. A punching device for operating on record cards having a plurality of columns. each adapted to receive a perforation in different index pointl positions thereof; comprising a. pair of jaws pivoted together, a plurality of punches supportedvby one 'jaw in positions overlying different columns of a ,card and different indeX 'point positions of the several columns, a plurality of dies on the other jaw, each die being opposite a corresponding punch, the punches and dies cooperating to simultaneously punch the cards, and a holder to hold a card in predetermined position rela- ,f 9. A punching deviceY comprising two members pivoted to each other and having cooperating handle portions, one of the meml bers carrying punches, the other member carrying cooperating dies, and means attached to the members for guiding a record card into punching position, said means having straight parallel adjustably spaced abutments for engaging opposite sides of the card to aline ,the card in proper punching position.

10. A device for operating on record cards having a plurality of columns for receiving indexpoint designations, comprising a pair of relatively movable carriers provided with elements coacting to mark the record cards with index point designations in several columns thereof, and means for holding the i cards in position for receiving saiddesignations comprising a' base member adjustably fixed to said carriers and a pair of parallel sidemembers relatively adjustably fixed to the base' member for engaging parallel sides of the cards.

R YMOND G. WILLIAMS.

In testimon whereof I aiix my signature. 

